University of Roehampton — The Lancet: Child & Adolescent Health — 21 January 2021
The first large-scale UK study on school-based humanistic counseling has found it is effective for children suffering mental health issues, though it comes at a considerable cost of £300–£400 per pupil. The research, conducted across 18 London schools with 329 children aged 13–16, found school-based counseling led to significant long-term reductions in pupils’ psychological distress and large increases in self-esteem and achievement of personal goals, compared to pastoral care alone. With one in eight 5–19 year olds in the UK estimated to meet the criteria for a mental health disorder, the findings provide critical evidence for schools considering expanding mental health services.